CN115461158A - High capacity reciprocating dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure contemplates a fixed nozzle pump suitable for use in dietary services and dispensing other fluids of different viscosities. These components may be modularly connected to facilitate assembly and cleaning. The piston and seal ring cooperate with a chamber extension formed in the pump body to facilitate reciprocating pump action while minimizing the number of components disposed in and exposed to the fluid flow path. A novel injection moldable valve is integrated on a dispensing nozzle. The entire assembly may be disposed within a container housing which itself includes a replaceable pouch filled with the fluid to be dispensed.

Description

Large capacity reciprocating dispenser

References to related applications

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/984,487, filed March 3, 2020, and incorporated herein by reference.

technical field

The present application relates generally to pump dispensers, and more particularly to a fixed nozzle dispenser pump capable of dispensing food products that is simple in construction and easy to disassemble and clean.

Background technique

Dispensing pumps coupled to containers have particular utility in the food service industry due to their ability to deliver small doses of fluid from large volume containers. In particular, these arrangements allow food service providers to obtain food items in bulk and then selectively use these items as toppings and/or condiments, as appropriate. Sustainability and economics can be achieved as long as the container and pump combination itself can be cleaned and reused.

An example of a dispensing pump suitable for use in the food service industry can be found in US Patent 8,960,507. Therein, a dam is provided to prevent accumulation of residues in the dispense channel/outlet of the pump. Like many other pumps (see eg US Patents 7,377,408 and 8,827,121 ), this pump relies on an actuator head that reciprocates along a portion of its axial length/extension. And regardless of whether these designs generate enough suction to dispense food, reciprocating pumps may not always be ideal for food service because the dispensing outlet moves in unison with the actuator head, making it difficult to reliably dispense the dispensed product. placed in a specific location.

Fixed nozzle distributors offer an alternative to the previously described reciprocating designs. Examples of fixed nozzle designs can be found in US Patents 4,739,904; 6,422,434; and 10,926,279. In each case, a reciprocating plunger is provided above the dispensing nozzle, while a dip tube extends below the nozzle, giving the entire pump assembly its characteristic T-shape. Although these dispensers tend to have a larger profile, they can generate enough suction to dispense water and more viscous foods (e.g., paste dressings, sauces, and other fluids such as cream, ketchup, honey, mayonnaise, etc.).

Another consideration for a food service pump, whether it has a fixed or moving nozzle, involves the ability to disassemble and clean internal components. Often, these pumps include multiple valves and other disparate structures that can be difficult to access, clean, and reassemble. In addition, due to the large shot volumes often required in the catering industry, catering dispensers often require large chambers and robust and durable components.

Given the above, a robust fixed nozzle pump dispenser with modular components that are easy to remove and clean would be welcome. The design should include features that allow for quick and easy attachment and use with bag-in-box type dispensing systems, and further have the ability to prevent dripping of the dispensed product and Nozzle buildup in the nozzle. Finally, in addition to the biasing member, there is a need for these types of dispensers in which the components are all constructed of recycled thermoplastic (and, more preferably, a single type or grade thereof).

Contents of the invention

Aspects of our proposal are set out in the claims and follow the description of the examples below. In general, these proposals may relate to a fixed nozzle dispenser pump with a modular construction for ease of disassembly and assembly and especially for cleaning. The dispenser pump includes a pump body member defining a pump chamber and an actuator (plunger) reciprocable relative to the pump body member.

The pump body element may have a lower inlet port, a dispensing nozzle and an upwardly tubular pump chamber extension, preferably a cylindrical tube. It may have a skirt or surround extending coaxially upwards around the lower portion of the pump chamber extension with a gap in between. The skirt or surround may have one or more protrusions to engage and position a shroud member extending upwardly around the pump chamber extension. A seal ring is mounted at the top of the pump chamber extension and is engageable outwardly against the actuator.

The actuator may be in the general form of a cap. It may comprise a hollow tube closed at the top end, for example by a top panel, and coaxial with the tubular pump chamber extension of the main body. The interior of the tube slidably engages the sealing ring of the tubular pump chamber extension. The tube may have engagement features provided at the lower end to couple accessories (piston accessory, piston element, guide accessory). Preferably, the coupling can be detached and attached by rotation. The attachment may engage the outer surface of the pump chamber extension (eg, via a guide ring or post) to induce movement of the actuator. The body element and the actuator tube communicate through the top of the tubular extension to form a pump chamber.

The distributor nozzle may protrude laterally, eg substantially orthogonal, with respect to the vertical or with respect to the pump chamber extension. It may carry a nozzle adapter part, which may include an outlet valve. A nozzle adapter component may be detachably coupled at the distal edge or end of the dispenser nozzle.

The pump may include a base or base element removably coupled to the body element, which may be used to position the pump assembly relative to a container of product to be dispensed, and the pump may include or be connected to the dip tube element. The base may be detachably coupled to the lower end of the body element (such as by corresponding engagement features of the base and body), which are desirably coupled/decoupled by rotational movement, in particular by a bayonet coupling.

The pump has an inlet valve for the pump chamber, which may be provided by an inlet element interposed between the pump body element and the base element as described above, the inlet element comprising the inlet valve.

Description of drawings

The drawings form part of this specification and any information on/in the drawings is contained both literally (ie, values actually stated) and relative (eg, corresponding ratios of dimensions of parts). In the same way, the relative positions and relationships of the components shown in these figures, as well as their function, shape, size and appearance, may further inform certain aspects of the invention, as if fully rewritten herein. Unless otherwise indicated, all dimensions in the figures are in inches and any printed information on/in the figures forms part of this written disclosure.

Figure 1A is a three-dimensional perspective view of one aspect of the pump of the present invention encapsulated within a dispensing container and shield assembly, while Figure 1B is taken along the central axis of the dispensing spout/nozzle (shown as line B-B in Figure 1A) cross-sectional perspective view. Note that Figure 1B does not include the nozzle adapter shown in subsequent views.

Figures 2A and 2B are supplementary three-dimensional perspective cross-sectional views of an aspect of the pump of the present invention from front and rear perspectives, specifically showing the pump chamber shroud and dispenser nozzle, but excluding the lower portion of the dip tube .

Figures 3A-3E show various sectional perspective and cross-sectional views of certain components depicted in Figures 1A-2B, as follows:

Fig. 3A is a three-dimensional perspective view of the pump shown in Fig. 2A, but without the pump chamber shroud to better illustrate the keyed protrusions formed on the pump body elements. This perspective view is taken from the bottom of the pump to include and highlight the dip tube and piercing element.

3B is a three-dimensional cross-sectional perspective view taken along a horizontal plane coincident with line 3-3 in FIG. 2A so as to bisect the keying protrusion on each side of the pump body element. This view shows the coaxial arrangement of the components and how the keying tabs are dislodged from their holes in the shroud by applying a compressive force to temporarily deform the shroud.

Figure 3C is a cross-sectional side view of the aspect shown in Figure 3A.

3D is an isolated cross-sectional perspective view of the pump chamber and its associated components, with further reference to the arrangement of these components in the dispensing container contemplated in FIGS. 1A and 1B .

Figure 3E is an isolated cross-sectional side view of a nozzle adapter element.

4A to 4I are three-dimensional perspective views of individual components of the pump shown in FIGS. 2A and/or 3A, wherein FIG. 4A shows an actuator cap, FIG. 4B shows a sliding seal cap, and FIG. 4C and 4D is a supplemental view of the pump body components, FIG. 4E is the pump chamber shroud, FIG. 4F is the nozzle adapter, FIG. 4G is the piston attachment, FIG. 4H is the inlet base attachment, and FIG. 4I is the inlet valve member.

detailed description

While specific embodiments are depicted, it should be understood that elements from one aspect described may be combined with elements from separately depicted aspects. In the same way, those of ordinary skill will have the requisite understanding of common procedures, components and methods, and this description is intended to cover and disclose such common aspects even if they are not explicitly stated herein.

As used herein, the words "example" and "exemplary" mean an example or illustration. The words "example" or "exemplary" do not indicate a critical or preferred aspect or embodiment. Unless the context dictates otherwise, the word "or" is intended to be inclusive and not exclusive. For example, the phrase "A employs B or C" includes any inclusive permutation (eg, A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). On the other hand, the articles "a" and "an" are generally intended to mean "one or more" unless the context dictates otherwise.

A robust, high-capacity pump is envisioned. When disassembled, components can be given uniquely shaped joints (directionally selectable) to facilitate intuitive reassembly of the pump. That is, the anti-drip spout attachment may be coupled to the dispenser spout via a square or rectangular shaped connection. Attachment of the pump body element to the inlet base attachment may be by means of a multi-point bayonet connection. Furthermore, the inlet base can be connected to the container by its own unique wing bayonet, and the piston element or guide attachment can be connected to the actuator cap by a threaded connection or a rotatable connection. Additionally, many of these components can be made from a single thermoplastic resin to simplify the manufacture and potential end-of-life recycling of these components.

The pump motor itself is characterized or unique in that the annular piston extends along the outside of an extension on the pump body, thereby defining the pump chamber. An actuator rod or cup fits over the extension and screws onto the piston. So the piston itself is a body extension with a seal, and the actuator is a cylinder, but because of its reciprocating action, it can be considered a piston in this article. A spring may be located below the piston and remain captured between the pump chamber and an annular skirt extending therearound. The entirety of these structures can itself be concealed by a shroud, preferably compressible, eg elastically deformable, which can be attached to and released from the skirt by keyed tab attachments. This arrangement eliminates any contact between the biasing spring and the dispensed fluid, while also providing an easily disassembled structure with components having little or no gaps, recesses, or other difficult-to-clean features.

The spout attachment acts as a one-piece anti-drip valve. Its straight edges and panels are particularly suitable for injection molding, while a simple post-molding operation creates slits for outlets along the bottommost angled edge. The material used for this attachment may be any of a variety of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) materials for improved performance, including but not limited to grades most suitable for use in the catering industry.

The shroud fits coaxially over the actuator head and the pump body element. The shroud is attached via a separate, child-resistant keyed fitting, and the shroud will ideally be resilient and flexible enough to allow engagement and disengagement of these features to allow removal and cleaning of the pump interior.

The overall shape and assembly of these elements allows the bulk of the pump to be concealed within the container itself. This allows for a more attractive assembly with only a few (if any) obvious points of possible tampering by the end user. Notably, the container may include a storage housing configured to accommodate a replaceable pouch or bag filled with fluid for dispensing, the removable lid providing ease of changing the pouch/bag. The cover includes holes to allow the actuator to reciprocate, while the cover extension conceals the dispensing nozzle and adapter.

With further reference to FIGS. 1A-4I , the pump assembly 100 is largely concealed within the decorative container arrangement 10 . The arrangement 10 may include a container housing 20 sized to receive a pouch or bag (not shown) containing the fluid to be dispensed. The mounting element 25 is located on the inner surface of the container 20 for attachment to the base element 400, preferably via a wing-shaped bayonet connector that allows the pump 100 to slide axially downward while securing components and prevent unwanted sideways movement during use. The piercing element 600 penetrates the assembly 100 and seals the assembly 100 to the bag so that fluid can be withdrawn from the bag and dispensed.

The cover 30 includes a hole for receiving the actuator 200 and an extension cover 35 that fits over the dispensing nozzle 340 of the pump body 300 . Lid 30 may be hinged, snap-fit, or it may simply sit on tabs or other mating features provided at the top edge of container 20 .

This arrangement 10 ensures that the pump 100 can be fitted to containers of different sizes/capacities. It also enables decorative elements to be attached to the container 20 and/or lid 30 without altering the manufacture or operation of the pump 100 . This type of approach has been used with some conventional pumps, however, these conventional pumps lack the advantages of the assembly 100 described herein.

Referring only to the pump assembly 100 shown in FIGS. 2A-4I , the major components are made primarily, if not exclusively, of common, easily formable/moldable thermoplastic polymers. These parts can be assembled and disassembled from each other without any special tools or other utensils, wherein the most important elements include the pump main body 300 with the reciprocating actuator cap 200 fitted on the pump chamber extension 320 and Shield/sleeve 250. The biasing member 500 can push the actuator 200 up and away from the container/fluid source while the dispensing nozzle 340 extends laterally at an angle (preferably, in a substantially orthogonal direction) relative to the pump chamber extension 320. angled so that the body 300 has an L-shape).

Body 300 includes one or more engagement features 310 proximate port 302 at which fluid enters body 300 . Port 302 may be surrounded by a cylindrical wall 304 configured to be at least partially received in base 400 and/or coupled to dip tube 650 . Features 310 may take the form of a series of posts or shaped protrusions positioned to mate with features 410 such as slots, grooves or ports formed in a mating surface of base 400 (in contrast, the slots, recesses Slots or ports may be formed on the body 300, while posts or protrusions are provided on the base 400). However, other coupling arrangements may also be used, such as threaded connections or snap-fit bead and groove elements.

The main body 300 includes a hollow cylinder 306 connected upstream thereof to the pump chamber extension 320 and to a dispensing nozzle 340 . This connection may give the body 300 an L-shape, although the dispensing nozzle may be inclined or angled away relative to the extension 320 . To allow for the smoothest reciprocating movement, extension 320 is substantially vertical.

On the outer surface of the main body 300 , preferably on the upper part of the cylinder 306 , a keying protrusion 307 is provided. These protrusions 307 are configured to fit within and couple with ports 252 formed in the sleeve 250 in order to keep the sleeve 250 anchored to the body 300 . In contrast, the actuator 200 associated with and mounted on the pump chamber extension 320 is configured to move axially up and down relative to the main body 300 . Such movement may be provided by a user grasping and manipulating actuator 200, and/or biasing member 500 may facilitate such action.

Column 306 extends coaxially over and around the hollow tubular structure including pump chamber extension 320 . In some aspects, post 306 completely surrounds extension 320 but is spaced from the extension so as to form a skirt with gap 308 . The spring/biasing member 500 sits and remains within the gap 308 (the spring sits on a horizontal surface across the gap 308 along its lower horizontal end), while the top edge 309 of the skirt serves as a shaft for the piston 270 and actuator 200 towards the lowermost stop for movement. Additionally, the skirt 306 may be provided as a series of separate axially extending flanges or as a continuous side wall (as shown). Preferably, the inner and outer diameters of the skirt section 306 are larger than the inner and outer diameters of the cylinder 304 , and most precisely must be larger than the outer diameter of the pump chamber extension 320 .

The pump chamber extension 320 is a continuous hollow tube, preferably smooth and straight along its inner surface. The interior volume defined by midsection 321 is where dispensed fluid is initially drawn upon actuation of the pump mechanism (ie, combination of actuator 200 and spring 500 , associated with operation of inlet valve 542 and outlet valve 530 ). At its upper edge, engagement feature 322 facilitates connection to seal ring 360 .

Piston 270 is an annular ring fitted concentrically/coaxially around extension 320 to allow it to move axially up and down along midsection 321 . The biasing spring 500 contacts the underside of the piston 270, thereby urging the piston, and the actuator 200 detachably coupled thereto, to move upward.

The piston 270 may consist of an inner ring 272 and an outer ring 274 connected to the outer ring 274 by radial webs 273 . Both rings 272, 274 include axially extending walls or flanges to facilitate contact and fit within the components of the actuator 200, but the inner and outer surfaces should be smooth to allow for easy movement. One of the two radial surfaces on outer ring 274 includes coupling features 275 , such as threads or beads/grooves, to detachably couple piston 270 to features 222 . In this manner, piston 270 moves in unison as a single element of actuator 200 .

The actuator 200 has a cup-like shape with an elongated hollow cylindrical wall 202 connecting an open end 204 to a top panel 206 . The top panel 206 spans and seals the hollow so that when the actuator fits over the extension 320 (and further cooperates with the annular seal 360, as described below), the axial movement of the actuator creates suction (on upward motion). ) and pressure (during downward movement) to push fluid through the main body 300 and into/out of the pump chamber 324 defined by the extension 320.

The top panel 206 may include an annular flange or extension 208 that extends beyond the outer diameter of the wall portion 202 . In this manner, flange 208 may cooperate with shroud 250 to limit the range of axial movement. Additionally or alternatively, contact of the piston/guide attachment 270 with the inner shoulder 251 at the upper end of the sleeve of the shroud 250 may serve a similar purpose, securing the component. In the same way, the top surface of skirt 306 resists downward movement of piston 270 .

A seal ring 360 is attached at or near a terminal end of the extension 320 . Seal ring 360 includes a sealing surface 370 , such as a gasket or smooth sliding sealing element, that exists around some or all of the outermost periphery of seal ring 360 . The web 363 defines an arcuate slot 362 that can receive an axial fin extending downwardly from the top panel 210 of the cap 200 . The central portion of seal ring 360 includes sufficient holes to allow axial movement of top panel 206 to create suction. Grooves and/or coupling features are provided on the slot-defining bottom and/or inner/outer radial faces of the sidewalls such that seal ring 360 is detachably coupled to extension 320 .

A shroud 250 comprising a hollow tubular sleeve fits around the midsection 321 to conceal the actuator 200 , piston 270 and pump body 300 . Keyed port 252 is configured to mate with and receive protrusion 307 . A cutout 254 at the bottom edge of the sleeve accommodates the size and shape of the dispensing nozzle 340 to simplify assembly and assembly of the components.

The sleeve itself is elastic and flexible. Thus, when keyed protrusion 307 is located within port 252, a compressive force applied at an angle will deflect the sidewall of sleeve 250 to displace protrusion 307 and allow removal of the shroud (through axial and/or or rotary motion). With the stop shoulder 251 now free, the entire actuator 200 can also be slid upwards, removed from the pump 100, and further disassembled and cleaned. In the same way, the pump body 300, spring 500 and other internal components are also exposed and easy to clean.

Dispensing nozzle 340 extends at an angle from extension 320 and post 306 . Nozzle 340 terminates in a shaped interface connector 342 configured to be detachably coupled to nozzle adapter 520 . In some aspects, adapter 520 elastically deforms to fit around shaped interface 342 , the polygonal shape being particularly useful by quickly orienting outlet valve 530 in its preferred downward-facing position. The nozzle 340 may be slightly angled to cause fluid to flow back toward the body 300 and container, or the nozzle may be angled away to encourage fluid storage near the outlet 530 for a quick dispensing action.

Nozzle adapter 520 includes outlet valve 530 . Valve 530 includes a slit formed partially or fully along the intersection of angled, downwardly facing flat panels 531 . Similarly, a form-fitting flat panel 532 is attached to define a flow path towards the valve 530, while a reinforcing flange 533 is attached to the nozzle distributor 340, as described above. In some aspects, flange 533 may be omitted or configured to include other coupling mechanisms, such as threads, bayonet connections, and the like.

When the axial movement of the actuator 200 relative to the pump body 300 causes an increase in fluid pressure, the panels 531 are forced apart causing the slit valve 530 to temporarily open for dispensing of the fluid. As the actuator reciprocates back to the extended position, the panels 531 are drawn back together so as to prevent drips and leaks from the valve 530 .

The base element 400 is attached to the underside of the main body 300 , near the inlet port 302 thereof. Wing-shaped and/or bayonet-type connection elements 420 ensure a secure fit with container 10 , while ports 430 stepped in width capture cup-shaped inlet elements 540 between base 400 and body 300 .

The inlet element 540 comprises at its periphery an axial wall 542 and a flat panel 543 in which a baffle 542 may be formed. The baffle 542 acts as an inlet valve to permit fluid to enter the pump body 300 from the pouch/container.

Reinforcing ribs and/or thickened wall sections may be provided as shown and/or as required to enhance the local strength of the component. Furthermore, by judicious selection of appropriate materials (relative to each other and, in absolute terms, to their structural integrity), the various components described above can be optimized to enhance performance and achieve the benefits of the invention contemplated herein.

In terms of manufacturing, the assembly reduces the number of parts compared to existing commercially viable pumps, and the assembly eliminates the need for specialized parts such as duckbill valves and/or other items that rely on expensive elastomeric materials and and/or tortuous or otherwise difficult to reach and clean pathways.

The pump has fixed nozzles and its parts are of a modular nature to allow assembly, disassembly and cleaning of each individual part. Thus, in its various aspects, a pump according to the invention may comprise any combination of the following features:

· A pump body element comprising a lower inlet end having a lower engagement feature, a dispensing nozzle and a pump chamber extension, wherein the skirt extends coaxially around a portion of the pump chamber extension with a defined gap, and the skirt has one or a plurality of outwardly facing bonding protrusions;

An actuator cap comprising a hollow tube sealed at the top end by the top panel and having engagement features disposed at the lower end;

A piston element configured to fit coaxially around the pump body extension, the piston element being detachably coupled to the engagement feature such that the piston element and the actuator cap conform around the outer surface of a portion of the pump chamber extension Axial movement;

a seal ring detachably coupled to the top edge of the pump chamber extension and configured to sealingly engage the inner surface of the hollow tube;

· An integral nozzle adapter comprising an outlet valve detachably coupled to the distal edge of the dispenser nozzle;

- a base removably coupled to the lower engagement feature;

an inlet element between the pump body element and the base unit element, the inlet element comprising an inlet valve;

where the pump body extension and the dispensing nozzle form an L-shape;

Wherein, the sealing ring includes a sealing member arranged on the outermost circumference;

· wherein a mating joint is formed between a web on the upper surface of the seal ring and one or more axial projections, such as fins formed on the top panel;

where the axial projections (eg fins) are configured to be received in and engage with portions of the web on the seal ring to selectively prevent rotation of the actuator cap relative to the pump body element and/or or axial movement;

where the piston includes an inner cylinder guide attached by a web to an outer cylinder having engagement features that detachably couple with engagement features of the actuator cap, the inner cylinder guide slidably engage the pump chamber extension;

· wherein the lower engagement feature forms a bayonet-type connection to the base;

where the base includes wing connectors that can be attached to the container;

· wherein the base comprises a piercing element configured to be fluidly connected to the pouch container;

· wherein the pump assembly is carried within a rigid container having a cover member having an aperture through which the actuator cap protrudes;

A shroud comprising an elastic sleeve coaxially enclosing the pump chamber extension, skirt and piston element;

· wherein the shroud includes one or more attachment holes;

· wherein the skirt comprises one or more keyed tabs provided on an outer surface of the skirt, the keyed tabs being detachably retained within the attachment holes;

• wherein the sleeve deforms in response to the compressive force to release the one or more keying projections from the attachment aperture;

wherein the shroud includes an inwardly projecting radial shoulder defining an upper limit for axial movement of the piston element;

where the top edge of the skirt defines the lower limit for axial movement of the piston element

A form-fitting joint for attaching the nozzle adapter and the distal edge;

· wherein the form-fit joint is substantially polygonal;

a biasing member arranged below the piston element within the defined gap, which biasing member pushes the actuator cap into the axially extended position;

where the flow path is defined by the gap within the pump body element and the base, and axial movement of the actuator cap draws fluid through the inlet valve and dispenses fluid through the outlet valve;

wherein the outlet valve is formed from a plurality of injection molded flat panel members;

wherein the outlet valve is a slit provided at the angled intersection of the flat panels at the lowest point of the outlet valve;

· wherein the inlet valve is a flap valve attached to the inlet element along an arcuate portion; and

- wherein the sleeve includes a cutout at the lower end configured to fit around the top surface of the dispensing nozzle.

All components should be made of materials with sufficient flexibility and structural integrity, as well as chemical inertness. Materials should also be selected based on machinability, cost and weight. In addition to the materials specifically mentioned above, common polymers suitable for manufacture and recycling via injection molding, extrusion, or other common molding processes should have special utility, but metals, alloys, and other composite materials can be used instead or in addition More traditional container and closure materials.

References in this disclosure to coupling are to be understood to encompass any conventional means used in the art. This can take the form of a snap-fit or force-fit of components, although threaded connections, bead-and-groove connections, and slot-and-flange assemblies are also possible. Adhesives and fasteners can also be used, but these must be selected carefully to maintain the basic design goals inherent in the assembly.

In the same manner, joining may include joining or abutting relationships. These terms, and any implicit or explicit references to linkage, should be considered in the context in which they are used, and any perceived ambiguity can be resolved by reference to the drawings.

Other aspects of the invention can be seen through a careful study of the features shown in the drawings. While the structures most relevant to operation have been highlighted above, further functions and structures will be understood by those skilled in the art after studying the drawings as a whole. Furthermore, certain drawings should be considered to be drawn to scale such that measurements of characteristics (length, width, height, capacity, etc.) of two or more components may be scaled. Accordingly, ratios and relationships between specific components in the figures are also within the written scope of this disclosure.

While the present embodiments have been shown in the drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, as numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions are contemplated. Exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to preferred embodiments, but further modifications and variations encompass the foregoing detailed description. Such modifications and changes also fall within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

Claims (16)

1. A fixed nozzle dispensing pump having a modular construction for disassembly and cleaning, the dispensing pump comprising:

a pump body member including a lower inlet end having a lower engagement feature, a dispensing nozzle, and a pump chamber extension, wherein a skirt extends coaxially around a portion of the pump chamber extension with a defined gap, and the skirt has one or more outwardly facing keyed projections;

an actuator cap comprising a hollow tube sealed at a top end by a top panel and having an engagement feature disposed at a lower end;

a piston element configured to fit coaxially around the pump body extension, the piston element being removably coupled to an engagement feature of the actuator cap such that the piston element and the actuator cap move axially in unison about an outer surface of a portion of the pump chamber extension;

a sealing ring removably coupled to a top edge of the pump chamber extension and configured to sealingly engage an inner surface of the hollow tube;

a unitary nozzle adapter comprising an outlet valve removably coupled to a distal edge of the dispenser nozzle;

a base removably coupled to a lower engagement feature of the body element; and

an inlet member interposed between the pump body member and the base unit member, the inlet member including an inlet valve.

2. The pump of claim 1, wherein the pump body extension and the dispensing nozzle form an L-shape.

3. A pump according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing ring comprises a sealing member provided on an outermost circumference.

4. The pump of claim 3, wherein a mating interface is formed between a web on an upper surface of the seal ring and one or more axial fins formed on the top panel.

5. The pump of claim 4, wherein the axial fins are configured to be received in and engage portions of a web on the seal ring to selectively prevent rotational and/or axial movement of the actuator cap relative to the pump body element.

6. The pump of any of the preceding claims, wherein the piston element comprises an inner cylinder guide attached to an outer cylinder by a web, the outer cylinder having an engagement feature removably coupled with an engagement feature of the actuator cap, the inner cylinder guide slidably engaging the pump chamber extension.

7. The pump of claim 1, 2, 3 or 6, wherein the base comprises a piercing element configured to fluidly connect with a pouch container, and wherein the pump assembly is carried within a rigid container having a cover member with an aperture through which the actuator cap protrudes.

8. A pump according to any preceding claim, further comprising a shroud comprising an elastic sleeve coaxially enclosing the pumping chamber extension, skirt and piston element.

9. The pump of claim 8, wherein the shroud includes one or more attachment holes, and wherein the skirt includes one or more keyed tabs disposed on an outer surface of the skirt such that the one or more keyed tabs are removably retained within the attachment holes when the sleeve is assembled to the pump body.

10. The pump of claim 9, wherein the sleeve deforms in response to a compressive force to release the one or more keyed protrusions from the attachment aperture.

11. A pump according to claim 8,9 or 10, wherein the shroud comprises an inwardly projecting radial shoulder defining an upper limit for axial movement of the piston element, and wherein a top edge of the skirt defines a lower limit for axial movement of the piston element.

12. The pump of claim 11, wherein the sleeve includes a cutout at a lower end configured to fit around a top surface of the dispensing nozzle.

13. The pump of any of the preceding claims, comprising a form-fitting interface attaching the nozzle adapter and the distal edge.

14. The pump of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8,9, 10, or 13, further comprising a biasing member disposed below the piston element within the defined gap, the biasing member urging the actuator cap into an axially extended position.

15. The pump of claim 14, wherein a flow path is defined by a gap within the pump body element and the base, and axial movement of the actuator cap draws fluid through the inlet valve and dispenses fluid through the outlet valve.

16. A pump according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the outlet valve is constituted by a plurality of injection moulded flat panel members, and wherein the outlet valve is a slit provided at the angled intersection of the flat panels at the lowest point of the outlet valve.

Images